Category: Tribute

Georges Sarkissian has passed away on 20 November 2002 in his 87th year. He joined CERN at its very beginning (1954) and he organised there the Purchasing Service for which he remained largely responsible. During all the years until 1979 the Organisation has benefited from the vast experience and rich past of Georges Sarkissian.

His active and happy retirement came to a sad end through a partial paralysis, endured for five years with great courage. Fortunately for his family and friends his intellectual faculties remained unharmed. His former colleagues will remember the good working atmosphere around him, his sense of humour, his human qualities, his kindness and his strong character.

We offer our sincere condolences to his wife and his family and will remember Georges for a long time.

A group of friends

Renie, Lady Adams, who died on 30 September, was the widow of Sir John Adams, a former Staff Member and Director-General of CERN. As a beneficiary of the CERN Pension Fund, she was a member of GAC and took an interest in its affairs. In 1998, Renie was elected as one of the Auditors of our Association, but was unable to take up this appointment because of ill health.

In 1974, she founded the CERN Women’s Club, which, in addition to its normal club activities, has since helped many newcomers’ wives to settle into the Geneva area. She played an important role in supporting her husband in his contacts with CERN personnel at all levels, with the CERN Council and its committees, as well as with visiting dignitaries from all parts of the world.

Renie was interested in everything around her and was always ready to help her friends and family alike. Her warm personality and easy manner will be missed by all those who knew her.

Norman BLACKBURNE